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Welcome to ClickerJoy!

Located in beautiful Colorado, Clicker Joy! is owned and operated by Angela Eaton, B.A., CTP-KPA. We are dedicated to providing force free training techniques that make a genuine and lasting difference in the lives of pets and their people. ClickerJoy! is built on the principle that “Joyful learning creates powerful results” (Read Angela's full bio here).

Angela is a search dog trainer and handler,dog trainer, andbehavior consultant. She’s written severalarticles on training and provided presentations, seminars, and workshops around the country. Her teachingstyle emphasizes the importance of the close connection between canines and humans. Angela's clients appreciate her ability to explain and teach both simple and complex skills and concepts to dogs and their people.
In January 2013, Angela was selected by the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) Clicker Training Program (CTP) to be the JANUARY 2013 CTP TRAINER OF THE MONTH: "I am honored to have been selected. I am partnering with the Colorado K9 c.a.r.e.s (CanineAssisted Reduction of Eventful Stress) program to develop training for therapy and crisis-intervention dogs and this special recognition by the KPA CTP will raise awareness and improve the visibility of this important program" (Angela Eaton).

A Guide to Search and Rescue Dogs

Angela is the author of Guide to Search and Rescue Dogs. This fascinating book is a wonderful overview of search dogs and their handlers. Anyone who's ever been interested in search dogs will enjoy the pictures and clear writing style as Angela explains the basics of scent principles, canine search techniques and training methods. Dogs are considered one of the most effective means of locating disaster victims, lost hikers and recovering remains.

The Clicker Technique

Clicker
Training" is an animal training method based on behavioral psychology
and neuroscience that relies on marking and reinforcing desirable
behaviors. Desirable behavior is usually marked by using a "clicker," a
mechanical device that makes a short, distinct "click" sound, which
tells the animal exactly when they're doing the right thing.

Veterinarians Support the KPA Approach

The
American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) has come out with
a clear statement against the use of dominance and force in training
and endorses the use of reinforcement-based training. This AVSAB statementdescribes
why vets should only recommend trainers who use positive reinforcement
and reject dominance-based training! Further, the "AVSAB recommends that
veterinarians identify and refer clients only to trainers and behavior
consultants who understand the principles of learning theory and who
focus on reinforcing desirable behaviors and removing the reinforcement
for undesirable behaviors."